Like National Museum, the National Theatre in Prague was built during the Czech National Revival as a symbol of Czech national identity. The construction was financed from public funds that were collected throughout the country. The original theatre designed by Josef Zítek took 15 years to build and was opened in 1881. Two months later a fire destroyed a part of the building and the nation came together again to produce another amount of money needed for the reconstruction, which was lead by architect Josef Schulz. The theatre was reopened in 1883 with the opera Libuše that was specially composed by Bedřich Smetana.

The National Theatre stages performances in opera, drama, and ballet. It is located within an easy walk down Národní from Wenceslas Square or down the embankment from Charles Bridge. If you are taking public transportation, use tram 2, 9, 18, 22 or 23 and get off at Národní divadlo, or take line B of the metro to Národní třída.